Lab to re-test Tour blood samples

France's national anti-doping agency (AFLD) is to begin re-testing blood samples from some riders at this year's Tour de France.

Italian rider Riccardo Ricco tested positive for CERA, a new form of banned blood-booster EPO, at this year's race.

The laboratory at Châtenay-Malabry, near Paris, will use a new, more effective test for CERA.

The samples of around 30 riders will be re-tested, including Ricco's ex-Saunier Duval team-mate Leonardo Piepoli.

Piepolo, 37, who did not fail a dope test during the Tour, won stage 10, a mountain-top finish at Hautacam. The Italian was neverthless later sacked by Saunier Duval for a "violation of the team's ethics code".

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